Sunderland fear an injury to Darren Bent could be more serious than was first thought. The early indications are that the striker has strained his hamstring and is expected to be missing for a minimum of three weeks. But the club's manager, Steve Bruce, fears Bent may have suffered a tear which could keep him out until the new year.

Bruce said: "If it is his hamstring, we could be looking at about three weeks out. We won't know anything more until the results come back so we will have to keep our fingers crossed. If we are to lose him, then hopefully it's only for three weeks because I don't have to tell anyone how important a player he is to us."

Bent was sent for a scan this week and the club's medical staff were still waiting for the results. He was in a lot of pain after scoring the winner against Arsenal last weekend after being forced to remain on the pitch during the closing stages of the 1-0 win because Bruce had already used his three substitutes.

The striker has scored nine goals in 13 appearances since a £10m summer switch from Tottenham Hotspur and forced his way back into the England squad. He will definitely miss the Premier League game at Wigan Athletic on Saturday and will need at least a fortnight's rest.